How to Attract Birds to Your Garden

Your garden is almost complete, but something is missing. The sweet sounds of birds chirping can make the morning brighter. There is nothing quite as nice as grabbing a cup of java and sitting outside on the deck with a newspaper early in the morning. Try this with some birds serenading you as you start your day. Yes this is God's country in all it's glory. There are so many species that you can attract with the right food and a little shelter. This lovely creatures can bring peace to your heart and mind.

One of the most important ways to attract birds to your garden is with the proper food. There are several ways to accomplish this. You can purchase commercial bird food from most supermarkets and retailers. Different seeds tend to attract different species of birds. Sunflower seeds are one of the best choice for seeds due to their nutritional content. The seeds provide a large amount of protein and fat. They will attract birds like Finches, Cardinals, Blue Jays, Sparrows, Doves, and Woodpeckers.. Thistle seeds attract Finches, Siskin, and Juncos. Safflower seeds attract Jays, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Titmice, and Sparrows without attracting squirrels. Millet is a popular blend that will also attract Finches, Cardinals, Blackbirds, and Sparrows. Scrapes from the table can provide birds with taste treats. Supply them with unsalted peanuts to eat and you will attract Blue Jays and Chickadees. Birds also like bread crumbs, cereal, and small pieces of fruit. Larger birds will even eat dog food. For an extra treat you can do this. If you want to really make them happy, then leave some of the spent blossoms on your plants. By not deadheading flower such as asters, sunflowers, zinnias, and cosmos you will be surprised by many passersby swooping down for just the right seeds Buy or make a birdfeeder and place the in the right seeds to lure in the birds of your choice.

Not only do birds need water for survival, but they love to bathe in it as well. You can purchase a bird bath to suit the theme of your garden, or you could build one yourself. Birds love clean water to splash around in, so provide them with their own little pool. It is important that you keep this area clean. Replace water once a week to prevent the growth of algae. Birds do not like slippery surfaces, so add a little sand on the floor of the bird bath to prevent sliding. Place the birdbath close to the ground, and add no more than an inch of water. Birds prefer it that way. In the winter, birds will like the water warmed. You can purchase electric outdoor basin heaters from pet stores.

Providing shelter for you bird protects them from the environment. Placing a bird house in garden allow them a place to build a nest. Different birds like different styles of homes. Swallows prefer apartment style homes. Wren enjoy cedar homes. Depending upon which types of birds you are wanting to attract will dictate the style you choose. If you are wanting a variety of birds in your garden, then space the birdhouses at least 200 feet apart. Birds are territorial, so they need their space.

Keep bird habitats clean. In order for them to be happy, their are particular about their water. Replace water in birdbaths at least once a week. Add an extra ledge to birdfeeders to prevent seeds from falling to the ground and becoming wasted.

Keep them safe. Birds seek out hedges for protection. They also use them for eating and nesting. Plants such as honeysuckle, blackberry, yew, and hawthorn will provide the right environment to meet their needs. Place a rodent barrier under their feeder to keep out pesky squirrels. Place their feeders away from low lying vegetation. This will prevent predators such as cats from surprising them. Trees nearby will protect them from hawk attacks.

If overcrowding becomes an issue there are some tricks that you can try to decrease the population. To deter them from visiting you should remove their food. Deadhead any spent blooms on flowers. You can also place netting on fruit trees. If that doesn't get rid of them, then you can also try tying aluminum pie pans to tree branches and this will scare them away.

These are simple ways to attract birds to your garden. Providing food, water, shelter, and protection from the elements will encourage them to visit and to stay.

These are simple step to ensure that birds grace you with their presence. They invite pleasant sounds to the garden, and bird watching can provide you with a new hobby.

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What a fun article with great ideas. my senior mom loves to combine her love for gardening with her love for birds. She's already doing some of this but I'll have to give her this to see if she's missing anything. I know she doesn't know about the dog food. Thanks for the tips.